Minnesota Mayor Arrested on Drunken-Driving Charge Before Trip to China

A Minnesota mayor is facing drunken-driving charges after he allegedly rear-ended two vehicles in one day before leaving the country on a trip to China, MyFox9.com reported.

Mayor John Brady, of Mankato, Minn., was reportedly driving under the influence when his vehicle collided with another car during two separate accidents on Saturday. Brady was arrested in Golden Valley, a suburb of Minneapolis, after he was seen driving erratically on Interstate 94 in south Minneapolis, the station reported.

The 61-year-old mayor, who is up for re-election in November, was on his way to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where he was to leave on an official trip to China. He eventually did fly there.

Golden Valley police allege Brady refused to stop while officers pursued his car and he rear-ended another vehicle. They also claim he had an open container of alcohol.

Brady reportedly apologized for the incident through his attorney, Calvin Johnson, who said in a statement: "Mankato Mayor John Brady was detained on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while impaired this past weekend in Hennepin County.”

"Mr. Brady regrets being unable to respond in person at this time. He wants a quick and speedy resolution of this serious matter, and is initiating a process of recovery for himself and his community. He apologizes for the inconvenience that this may cause his professional responsibilities," Johnson said.